In a recent interview with Pulse Nigeria, Nollywood filmmaker Biodun Stephen shared insights into her collaboration with actor Kunle Remi on her latest film, “Muri and Ko.” Here are the highlights from the interview:
### Working with Kunle Remi
Biodun Stephen praised Kunle Remi for his dedication and commitment to his role as Muri in the film. She described Muri as a complex character, emphasizing Remi’s transformative approach to portraying him:
– **Dedication to Character**: Stephen highlighted Remi’s commitment by detailing how he immersed himself fully into the role. She mentioned that Remi would arrive on set without bathing, intentionally giving himself a disheveled appearance with marks on his face to look like a miscreant. This method acting approach impressed Stephen, showcasing Remi’s willingness to go to great lengths to embody Muri authentically.
– **Character Depth**: According to Stephen, Muri is a thief who inadvertently steals a car containing a child, played by Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga. Despite the challenges Muri faces, including a bounty on his head and evading the police, his relationship with the child evolves unexpectedly throughout the film.
### Filmmaking Process
– **Scriptwriting Philosophy**: Stephen discussed her creative process, emphasizing the importance of energy and connection in her writing. For her, writing a script is a personal endeavor where she invests her own energy into the story, expecting collaborators to reciprocate with genuine feedback and commitment.
– **Collaboration with Actors**: She expressed a preference for working repeatedly with actors who bring unique qualities to their roles. Stephen values actors who share her passion and hunger for filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of mutual dedication to achieve exceptional results.
– **Observational Skills**: Stephen highlighted her keen observational skills in selecting actors and collaborators. She looks for individuals who exhibit a similar level of dedication and hunger for storytelling, which she believes enhances the creative synergy on set.
### Conclusion
Biodun Stephen’s interview underscores the depth of collaboration and dedication involved in filmmaking, particularly in bringing complex characters like Muri to life. Kunle Remi’s method approach to portraying Muri exemplifies the commitment necessary to deliver authentic and compelling performances in Nigerian cinema. As Stephen continues to explore storytelling through her unique lens, her emphasis on energy, connection, and mutual dedication with her collaborators remains central to her creative process.